Lionel Messi has overtaken Diego Maradona as the best ever
Lionel Messi's masterclass in Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich drew acclaim from within football and beyond.
The Argentinian was at his brilliant best in the late stages, scoring two supreme goals including a second that electrified social media.
Here is a look at some of the immediate reaction to Messi's display on Twitter:
Patrick Kluivert (ex-Holland and Barcelona striker): "He really is from a different Planet #Messi even if u are supporting another team u have to admit this."
Joey Barton (QPR midfielder): "In any other era Cristano would be best of his generation. In the Messi-era everyone who has ever played is no.2. Maradona. Cruyff. Pele."
Charlie Austin (QPR striker): "Surely there is another word other than professional footballer for messi because he is on a different planet to the rest of us!!!!!!!!"
John Aldridge (former Liverpool striker): "Folks, it doesn't get much better than that MESSI MAGIC.Feel sorry for our Xabi Alonso though."
Gary Lineker (former England striker): "It's such a joy to watch Messi. The greatest!"
Alex Scott (England women defender): "No he didn't...what have my eyes just witnessed #Messi .....wow!!!!!"
Lionel Messi celebrates one of his two goals
(GETTY IMAGES)
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace winger): "O M G messi!!!"
Franco Baresi (former AC Milan defender): "#Messi fenomeno FCBarcelona"
Ross Barkley (Everton playmaker): "He's from a different planet. #Messi"
John Hartson (former Wales striker): "I'm watching a man play Football and he is simply Breathtaking!!!! What planet is Messi on."
Barcelona 3 Bayern Munich 0 player ratings
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Guy Mowbray (BBC football commentator): "Going to watch that goal over & over again until I fall asleep. Then again at breakfast. Beautiful, genius, magical #Messi"
Piers Morgan (journalist): "I'd still rather have Cristiano in my team than Messi."
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